Switching circuit



G- E. PLATZER, JR 3,514,626

SWITCHING CIRCUIT May 26, 1970 Filed Oct. 16, 1968 3 Sheets-Sheet l I NVENTOR.

52 George E. P/a fzer, Jr;

BY V f United States Patent 3,514,626 SWITCHING CIRCUIT George E.Platzer, Jr., Southfield, Mich., assignor of ten percent to Lon H.Romanski, Detroit, Mich. Filed Oct. 16, 1968, Ser. No. 767,942 Int. Cl.H02j 13/00 U.S. Cl. 307--114 11 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSUREBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a great majority of the homes presentlybeing built,

it is accepted practice to eliminate ceiling-mounted elec-' tric lamps.In such instances a plurality of wall-mounted dual electrical outletsare provided about the room, as in a bedroom, and a wall-mounted switchis situated near the door leading to the bedroom. In this arrangement,the said wall switch is electrically connected so as to control one ofthe electrical outlets in each of said dual outlets.

As a consequence of the above arrangement, it is possible to plug a lampinto the switch-controlled outlet so that the lamp can be turned off andon by the said wall switch. However, a major disadvantage does exist inthe above arrangement. That is, more often than not, the wall-switchcontrolled lamp, especially when located in a bedroom, is located at apoint distantly remote from the said wall switch but conveniently closeto the bed. As a consequence, upon entering the bedroom at night thewall switch is employed to turn on the remotely situated lamp. However,upon retiring for the night, the lamp, which is conveniently locatednear the bed, is turned off by means of a switch carried by the lampitself.

Upon arising the next day, the lamp is permitted to remain in its offcondition because of the natural sunlight. Consequently, uponre-entering the bedroom on the following night it becomes impossible toturn on the remotely situated lamp by means of the wall mounted switchbecause the circuit leading to the lamp has been left open at the lampswitch the previous night. This then requires the person to gropethrough the dark until the lamp switch is found and closed.

In view of the above, it is apparent that a conventional wall mountedroom switch is almost totally ineffective for its intended purpose.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention comprises an electricalswitching arrangement for use in combination with a source of electricalpotential having at least first and second output terminals, a firstoutput supply conductor electrically connecting said first terminal to afirst switchmeans situated in a first of two switch stations, a secondoutput supply conductor electrically connected to said second terminal;and a remotely located electrical load having at least first and secondload conductors electrically connected to said electrical load; saidswitching arrangement comprising circuit means including second bistableswitch means having two stable operating states, said second bistableswitch p CC first of said load conductors and one of said output supplyconductors, a second circuit conductor for electrically connecting asecond of said output supply conductors to one side of said secondbistable switching means, a third circuit conductor for electricallyconnecting a second of said load conductors to an other side of saidsecond bistable switch means, said second bistable switch means beingnormally conductive when in a first of said two stable states, saidfirst switch means being effective when closed and when said secondbistable switch means is in said first stable state to energize saidelectrical load, and control means effective for at times placing saidsecond bistable switch means in a second of said two stable stateswherein said second bistable switch means is rendered non-conductivethereby deenergizing said electrical load even when said first switchmeans is closed.

Accordingly, a general object of this invention is to provide electricalcircuitry which will enable the energization and de-energization of aremotely situated electrical load from a point which is remote from saidelectrical load as well as from a switch device carried by said load orin close proximity thereto.

Another object of this invention is to provide apparatus definingelectrical circuitry which will enable conversion of the electricalcircuitry as presently provided in homes, as described above, so as toenable switching operations in accordance with the above general objectof this invention.

Other more specific objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent when reference is made to the following description consideredin conjunction with the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings:

FIG. 1 is a schematic wiring diagram of one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational perspective view of a housing suitable forcontaining circuitry comprising the invention;

FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 are each schematic wiring diagrams of otherembodiments of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is an elevational perspective view of another housing assemblsuitable for containing circuitry comprising the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now in greater detailto the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates the invention as employed in a homehaving conventional A.C. circuitry therein. A source of AC. electricalpotential 10 is illustrated as having output terminals 12 and 14 towhich are connected electrical conductors 16 and 18, respectively.Conductor 18, as illustrated at 20, may also be connected to groundpotential.

A wall mounted switch assembly 22 has conductor 16 electricallyconnected thereto, as to switch member 24, while the terminal or switchcontact 26 is connected as by a conductor 28 to a first plug or contactmember 30 carried by the room wall 32. A second electrical contact 34,also situated in the wall 32, is connected to conductor 18 as by aconductor 36. Switch member 24, when closed as illustrated at 24a,serves to complete the circuit from terminal 12 to wall contact 30.

A lamp assembly 38, illustrated generally by the phantom line 40, iscomprised of a light bulb (electrical load) 42 and a conventionalmanually positioned electrical switch 44. The light bulb 42 has itsterminals 46 and 48 electrically connected to conductors 50 and 52,respectively. Switch 44 is serially situated within conductor 50 and iseffective for making and breaking the circuit at the load 42 if such isdesired. Conductors 50 and 52 may comprise an electrical lamp cord andare respectively connected to male type electrical contacts 54 and 56'.

An adapter 58 is illustrated as comprising male type electricalterminals, 60 and 62, for electrical connection to the receptacleterminals and 34, and female electrical terminals 64, 66 for electricalconnection to male plug terminals 54, 56.

A butterfly type of auxiliary switch member 68 pivotally supported as at70, for oscillatory motion thereabout, is provided with push-buttonmembers 72 and 74. A tension spring schematically illustrated at 76 asbeing operatively connected to push-button 72, functions to normallymaintain auxiliary switch member 68 closed against a contact or switchterminal 78 which, in turn, is electrically connected to adapterterminal 64 by means of a conductor 80.

A conductor 82 serves to electrically connect adapter terminal tosupport and contact so as to complete a circuit from terminal 60,through contact 70, auxiliary switch member 68 and contact 78. A secondconductor 84 electrically connects adapter contacts 62 and 66 to eachother.

An electromagnet 86, having a core 88 situated in close proximity to end90 of switch member 68, has a coil winding 92 which, in turn, has itsterminal ends connected to conductors 94 and 96 respectivelyelectrically connected to conductors 82 and 84.

OPERATION OF EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 1

The operation of the invention as disclosed in FIG. 1 is as follows.

Condition 1 When wall switch 24 is closed (moved to position 24a), withthe remaining elements in the positions shown, a circuit is completedthrough conductors 28, 82, contact 70, auxiliary switch member 68,contact 78, conductors 80, 50, lamp switch 44, lamp or load 42,conductors 52, 84, 36 and 18 and back to source 10, thereby energizingthe lamp 42.

At the same time a circuit is completed through conductor 94, coil 92and conductor 96 thereby energizing the electromagnet 86. Theelectromagnet 86 thereby energized attracts end 90 of switch member 68so as to tend to rotate switch member 68 generally counter-clockwiseabout the pivot point contact 70. However, with switch member 68 in theposition shown, the force of spring 76 is greater than the magneticforce of electromagnet 86 thereby maintaining switch 68 in the positionshown.

Condition 2 Auxiliary switch member 68 may, of course, be remotelysituated with respect terminal contacts 60 and 62 so as to be physicallylocated, if desired, in close proximity to the load 46. Switch member 68is merely illustrated within the phantom line confines merely to conveythat it does form a portion of the overall adapter 58.

Accordingly, if switch 24 is closed according to above Condition 1, andit is desired to de-energize load 42 at a location remotely situatedwith respect to switch 24, such de-energization may be accomplished bydepressing pushbutton 72 of auxiliary switch 68. This causes thearmature end 90 of switch member 68 to be brought into close proximitywith the core 88 of electromagnet 86; in this position the magneticforce is greater than the force of spring 76 and accordingly thearmature 90 of auxiliary switch member 68 remains in such position.Consequently, the circuit through conductors 82, is opened, by virtue ofswitch member 68 moving away from contact 78, and the load (lamp) 42 isde-energized.

Condition 3 If it is now assumed that the circuitry of FIG. 1 is atdescribed Condition 2 and it is desired to again energize the lamp 42 atthe location of the auxiliary switch 68, all that is required is to movepush-button 74 downwardly causing armature portion to move away frommagnet core 88 and switch member 68 to move into engagement with contact78 thereby completing the circuit therethrough and energizing lamp 42.This would effectively return the circuitry to that as described withreference to Condition 1.

Condition 4 Let it now again be assumed that the circuitry of FIG. 1 isat described Condition 2 and it is desired to again energize the lamp 42at the wall-mounted switch 24. It can be seen that if wall switch 24 isfirst moved from closed position 24a to its open position, the circuitthrough conductors 82, 94 and 96 is opened thereby de-energizing theelectromagnet 86. As a consequence of such de-energization ofelectromagnet 86 spring 76 causes auxiliary switch member 68 to rotateclockwise engaging contact 78. This now causes the circuitry to be resetto the condition as shown in FIG. 1. Once the circuitry is thereby resetall that needs to be done to energize the load 42 is to again close thecircuit through wall switch member 24 by moving it to its closedposition 24a against contact 26. When this is done the load 42 will beenergized in accordance with the description of Condition 1.

EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 2

FIG. 2 illustrates a possible embodiment of the adapter 58, disclosed inFIG. 1, as comprising a suitable housing 90 carrying an exposedelectrical receptacle 100 containing therein female type electricalterminals 64 and 66. Conductors 82 and 84, comprising an electrical cord1102, are respectively connected at one end to blade type male terminals60 and 62 of a plug assembly 104 and are respectively connected at theirother ends to a tab 106 formed on an electrically conductive pivotalsupport stand 108 supporting the auxiliary switch member 68. A flexibleelectrical conductor 110 may be joined at its opposite ends to stand 108and switch member 68. Electrical conductor 94 is shown connected to tab#106 as well as one terminal tab 112 of the electromagnet assembly 86.

Conductor 80* is connected at one end via a tab 114 to female'terrninal64 and connected at its other end to a conductive support 116 forcontact 78. Conductor 96 is, as depicted in FIG. 1, connected at one endto female terminal 66 (as by means of a tab not shown but similar to tab114) and connected at its other end to the coil of electromagnet 86 (asby means of a tab not shown but similar to tab 106). Even though notspecifically shown in FIG. 2, for purposes of clarity, it is apparent inview of FIG. 1 that suitable resilient means conforming to the functionof spring 76 of FIG. 1 would be provided within the assembly of FIG. 2in order to normally maintain auxiliary switch member 68 in closedcircuit with contact 7 8.

In view of the above, it becomes readily apparent that the plug 104 maybe connected to the wall terminals 30, 34 while the adapter assembly 58can be situated in a position distantly remote from the wall switch 24,and

that the electrical load 42 can be connected, as by plug terminals 54,56 to the female terminals 64 and 66 provided by the adapter assembly58.

EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 3

FIG. 3 illustrates a modification of the invention shown in FIG. 1; allelements which are like those of FIG. 1 are identified with likereference numbers. Only fragmentary portions of the electrical supplysystem as well as the load circuitry (depicted at 28, 36, 50 and 52) areillustrated since those circuit systems may be considered identical tothat of FIG. 1.

In comparing the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 3, it can be seen that inFIG. 3, a conductor 120 is provided so as to connect one end ofelectromagnet coil 92 to conductor 80 instead of, as in FIG. 1,providing a conductor 96 to connect the same coil terminal to conductor84.

The mode of operation of the embodiment of FIG. 3 is like that of FIG. 1with respect to all of the described Conditions. However, it should benoted that in the embodiment of FIG. 3 the electromagnet 86 is energizedonly when auxiliary switch member 68 and auxiliary switch contact 78 areopen and the Wall switch 24 is in its closed position at 2411.

If the switch 24 is closed and switch member 68 is opened, a smallcurrent will flow through the load or lamp 42 when the load 42 isostensibly in its oil or de-energized condition; however, the lamp orload 42 will not be energized because of the small current flow. This isbecause, generally, the impedance of the electromagnet coil 92 will belarge compared to the impedance of the load 42. Therefore, the resultingcurrent flow will be of no material consequence in the load circuitcomprised of conductors 52, 50.

EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 4

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the invention wherein anindicator lamp 122 has its terminals 124 and 126 respectively connected,as by conductors 128 and 130, to conductors 82 and 80. In FIG. 4, allelements which are like those of either FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 are identifiedwith like reference numbers and, as in FIG. 3, only fragmentary portionsof the electrical supply system as Well as the load circuitry (depictedat 28, 36, 50 and 52) are illustrated since that circuitry may beconsidered identical to that of FIG. 1.

The operation of the circuitry of FIG. 4 is like that of FIG. 3 with thefurther advantage that the lamp 122 serves as a night light. The lamp122 may, of course, be situated where desired and may, accordingly, befitted within the housing 98 of the adapter assembly as shown in FIG. 2.It will, of course, become apparent to the user of the inventionprovided with such a lamp 122 that whenever the lamp 122 is energizedthe wall switch 24 is, of necessity, closed.

The provision of such a night light as lamp 122 is not limited to thecircuitry of FIG. 3 as specifically shown. For example, a lamp 122 maybe added to the circuitry of FIG. 1 in the same manner as shown in FIG.3 (by having lamp conductors 128 and 130 respectively connected tocircuit conductors 82 and 80) or, if desired, lamp 122 may be connectedin the circuits of either FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 by having the lamp conductors128 and 130 respectively connected to circuit conductors 82 and 84.

EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 5

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention; all elementsthereof which are like those of FIG. 1 or FIG. 3 are identified withlike reference numbers. As in FIGS. 3 and 4, only fragmentary portions(depicted at 28, 30, 36, 34, 50, 54, 52 and 56) of the electrical supplycircuitry as well as the load circuitry are shown.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, conductor 82 is connected as between themale terminal contact '60 and an auxiliary switch member 6811 which isnormally held closed against cooperating contact 78 as by tension spring76. While one terminal of coil 92 is connected via conductor 94 toconductor 82 (as in FIGS. 1 through 4) the other terminal 132 of coil 92is connected toa conductor 134 which terminates at its other end at acontact 136. Terminal 132 is also connected to one end of a resistor 138which'has its other end connected to a conductor.

140 terminating at its other end at a contact 142. An additionalconductor 144, having its terminal ends respectively provided withcontacts 146 and 148 is connected via conductor 150 to conductor 84.

Momentary switch members 152 and 154 are provided in order to, at times,complete the circuit through contacts 142, 146 and contacts 136, 148,respectively.

Even though switch members 152 and 154 form a part of the overalladapted assembly 58b they, and the related contacts, may actually behoused separately within a suitable switch housing so as to form aswitching assembly :1'56 remotely situated with respect to the remainderof the adapter assembly.

As has been previously stated, switch members 152 and 154 are momentaryswitches in that their respective normal positions are as illustratedand when individually actuated, switch member 152 will move to an openposition and switch member 154 will move to a closed position. However,when either of such switches is released, such released switch willreturn to the position illustrated in FIG. 5. In many commercialswitches of this type, resilient means such as springs are provided forcausing the switch member to return to the normal position upon beingreleased. However, in the interest of clarity such springs are not shownin the drawings.

OPERATION OF EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 5

The operation of the invention as disclosed in FIG. 5 is as follows.

Condition 1 When wall switch 24 is closed, as shown at 24a, and theother elements of the circuitry in the positions shown, a circuit iscompleted through conductor 82, switch mem ber 68a, conductor 80, loadconductor 50, load 42, load conductor 52, adapter assembly conductor 84,supply conductor 36 and back to the source 10. At this time, currentalso flows from conductor 82 through conductor 94, relay coil 92,resistor 138, conductor 140, contact 142, normally closed switch member152, contact 146, conductors 144 and .150 and back to adapter assemblyconductor 84. However, the current flow through coil 92 is, at thistime, insufficient to actuate or pull the armature or switch member 68afrom its closed position. Accordingly, the circuit leading to the loadconductors 50, 52 remains closed and the load 42 remains energized.

Condition 2 If the circuitry of FIG. 5 is assumed to be in a statedescribed in above Condition 1, and push-button or momentary switchmember 154 is pushed down so as to close the circuit across relatedcontacts 136, 148, resistor 138 will become shorted by the branchcircuit defined by conductor 134, contact 136, switch member 154,contact 148, conductor 144, and conductor 150. This causes the currentflow through coil 92 to increase sufficiently to actuate armature orswitch member 68a causing switch member 68a to move downwardly andopening the circuit through cooperating contact 78. Accordingly, it canbe seen that as a consequence of switch member 68a becoming opened, thecircuit defined adapter by conductors 82 and becomes opened therebyde-energizing the load conductors 50, 52 and electrical load 42.

When remote or auxiliary switch member 154 is released, it returns toits normal position, illustrated, thereby opening the circuit throughconductor 134 and again reducing the current flow through the coil 92because the resistor 138 is again placed in series with the coil 92.However, at this time, the current is sufficient to hold switch member68a in its open position because it takes less magnetic force (current)to hold the switch member 68a open than it does to pull the switchmember 68a from its closed position to an open position.

Therefore, with the elements of the circuitry of FIG. 5 remaining in thepositions described herein in Condition 2, the load 42 will remain in ade-energized state.

Condition 3 If the circuitry of FIG. 5 is assumed to be in a statedescribed in preceding Condition 2, and push button or momentary switch152 is depressed so as to open the circuit through cooperating contacts142, 146 the circuit through coil 92, resistor 138, conductor andconductor 150 is opened thereby stopping current flow through the coil92. Consequently, spring 76 causes switch member 68a to move upwardlyclosing against cooperating 7 contact 78. Since wall switch 24 is in itsclosed position, the circuit through adapter conductors 82, 80 and 84 iscompleted as well as load conductors 50, 52 and electrical load 42.

Once the switch member 152 has been depressed and subsequently released,switch 152 will return to its normally closed position; however, aspreviously discussed, the current flow which is again re-establishedthrough coil 92 and resistor 138 is insufficient to actuate or switchmember 68a.

Therefore, with the elements of the circuitry of FIG. remaining in thepositions described herein in Condition 3, the load 42 will remain in anenergized state.

Condition 4 If the circuitry of FIG. 5 is again assumed to be in a statedescribed in preceding Condition 2 (load 42 having been tie-energized byvirtue of remote auxiliary switch 154 being closed across contacts 146,136 and switch member 6811 therefore being in an open state) it can beseen that the load 42 can be again energized by sequentially firstopening wall switch 24 and then closing the same wall switch 24.

For example, if switch 24 is opened the current flow through coil 92will terminate thereby permitting spring 76 to move switch member 6841upwardly into engagement with cooperating contact 78. If the switch 24is then closed, the circuit through adapter conductors 82, 80 (includingswitch member 68a), and 84 as 'well as load conductors 50, 52 and load42 will be completed causing the electrical load 42 to be energized.

It is, of course, apparent that the load 42 will continue to be in anenergized state as long as the elements of the circuitry remain in thepositions described.

EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 6

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the invention; all elementswhich are like those in FIGS. 1 through 5 are identified with likereference numbers. As in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, only fragmentary portions ofthe electrical supply circuitry and the load circuitry (depictedgenerally at 28, 30, 36, 34, 50, 54, 52 and 56) are shown.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6 the adapter assembly 58c is comprised of aconductor 160 which electrically connects male terminal contact 60 tofemale terminal contact 64. A second main conductor 162 is connected atone end to male terminal member 62 and, at its other end, connected to aterminal 164 of a triac 166 having second and third terminals 168 and170, respectively. Basically, a triac consists of an N-P-N-P switch inparallel with a P-N-P-N switch formed in a single silicon crystal. Itsaction, generally, might be said to be similar to two parallel andoppositely poled silicon controlled rectifiers. The second terminal 168of triac 166 is connected, as by a conductor 172 to female terminalcontact 66.

A plurality of resistors 174, 176, 178 and 180 along with a diode 182are serially arranged with respect to each other and applied acrossconductors 160, 162. A capacitor 184 has one side connected, as by aconductor 186, to a point electrically between resistors 178 and 180while the other side of the capacitor 184 is connected, as by aconductor 188, to conductor 162.

Another branch conductor 190, connected at one end to a point betweenresistors 176 and 178, is connected at its other end to one end of aseries resistor 192. The other end of resistor 192 is connected to aconductor 194 which terminates in a switch contact 196. A conductor 198,connected at one end to main conductor 1'62, terminates in a secondswitch contact 200. A momentary normally closed push button type switchmember 202 serves to engage and complete the circuit through contacts196 and 200.

A silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) 204 has its anode terminalconnected to conductor 190 while the cathode terminal is connected, asby a conductor 206, to a switch con-tact 208. Another conductor 210,connected to conductor 162, terminates in another switch contact 212. Asecond momentary, normally closed, push button type switch member 214serves to engage and complete the circuit through contacts 208, 212. Thegate electrode 216 of SCR 204 is connected, as by a conductor 218, toconductor 194 at a point electrically between resistor 192 and contact196.

Further, as shown, the third or gate terminal of triac 166 is connected,as by a conductor 220, to a point electrically between resistors 174 and176.

Before progressing to the discussion of the operation of the embodimentof FIG. 6, it should be mentioned that, generally, the triac 166 servesas a switching member and thereby performs the function of, for example,contact 78 and switch member 68a of FIG. 5. The remainder of thecomponents are employed to control the gate circuit of the triac 166.

Further, diode 182 and resistors 180, 178, 176 and 174 comprise avoltage divider network as well as a source of direct current whilecapacitor 184 serves to smooth the pulsating current through resistors178, 176 and 174.

OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 6

The operation of the invention as disclosed in FIG. 6 is as follows.

Condition 1 Assuming now that the various elements of FIG. 6 are in therespective positions shown and wall switch 24 being moved to a closedposition as at 24a, it can be seen that a circuit is completed throughconductor 160, load conductor 50, load 42, load conductor 52, andadapter conductor 172 to terminal 168 of triac 166. Like- Wise thecircuit through supply conductor 36, adapter assembly conductor 162 toterminal 164 of triac is completed. Accordingly, it can be seen thatinstantaneously a voltage is applied across terminals 164 and 168 oftriac 166.

In order to achieve conduction through the triac 166, there must be avoltage applied across terminals 164 and 168 and voltage must be appliedat the control or gate electrode 170. It can be seen from the precedingthat the first requirement for conduction is satisfied by the voltageapplied to terminals 168 and 164 of triac 166 by conductors 172, and162, respectively. The second requirement is satisfied by conductor 220transmitting the needed voltage from the voltage divider networkcomprised of resistors 180, 178, 176 and 174 to the gate electrode orterminal 170.

Accordingly, it can be seen that with the various elements in therespective positions shown and with wall switch 24 being closed, thetriac 166 is placed in a conductive state thereby resulting in theenergization of load 42; the load 42 will continue to be energized aslong as the switch 24 remains closed, as described above, and the otherelements remain in the positions shown.

Condition 2 If it is now assumed that the circuitry of FIG. 6 is atdescribed Condition 1 and it is desired to de-energize the lamp or load42 at the location of switch members 202 and 214, all that is necessaryis to reduce the current through the gate electrode 170 circuit of triac166 to a value below the triggering value of the triac 166. This,basically, is the function of the SCR 204.

With momentary, normally closed, push button switches 202 and 214 beingin their closed position, it can be seen that the gate to cathodecircuit of SCR 204 is in a generally shorted condition by virtue of gateelectrode 216 being electrically connected to conductor 218, conductor194, contacts 196, 200, switch member 202, conductor 198, conductor 162,cord conductors 198, 162,

9 210, contacts 212, 208, switch member 214 and conductor 206 connectedto the cathode of SCR 204.

In order to make an SCR conductive, forwardly, it is necessary to applya voltage across the anode to cathode terminals of the SCR (making theanode positive, with respect to the cathode) and at the same time applya voltage (or current fiow) to the gate to cathode circuit by making thegate positive, with respect to the cathode. Therefore, it can be seenthat as long as the gate-to-cathode circuit of the SCR is shorted, theSCR will remain non-conductive.

When momentary push button switch 202 is moved to open the circuitthrough contacts 196 and 202 current flows through resistor 1-92,conductor 218 to the gate terminal 216 making the gate positive withrespect to cathode causing the SCR to thereby become conductive. Anothercharacterstic of an SGR is that once it is conductive the SCR remainsconductive until such time as the anode to cathode current isinterrupted. Accordingly, when momentary switch is released and itreturns to its normally closed position across contacts 196, 198, theSCR continues to be conductive.

When the SCR is thusly made conductive, resistors 176 and 174 areeffectively shunted so that most of the current flowing through resistor178 flows through the SCR 204. Consequently, the current flow throughconductor 220 and gate 170 becomes insufiicient to maintain the triac166 in a conductive state. Accordingly, triac 166 becomes non-conductivethereby opening the circuit between conductors 162, 172 therebyde-energizing the load or lamp 42.

Condition 3 Assuming now that the circuitry of FIG. 6 is as described inabove Condition 2 with the load 42 de-energized, and it is desired toagain energize the load from a position whereat the switch members 202and 214 are located, all that has to be done is to depress or movemomentary switch 214 away from contacts 208, 212 thereby opening thecircuit therethrough. Consequently, the current flow through the anodecathode circuit of SCR 204 is interrupted thereby causing the SCR tobecome non-conductive. Releasing the momentary switch member 214 andpermitting it to return to its normally closed position will not causethe SCR to again become conductive because, as previously described, ashort circuit is thereby again re-established between the SCR gate 216and cathode.

SCR 204 being non-conductive re-establishes a sufficient current flowthrough conductor 220 to triac gate 170 causing the triac 166 to go intoconduction thereby completing the circuit through conductors 162 and 172and energizing the electrical load 42.

Condition 4 Assuming now that the circuitry of FIG. 6 is again asdescribed in preceding Condition 2 with the load 42 deenergized, and itis desired to again energize the load from the location of the wallmounted switch 24, all that is required is to first move wall switch 24to its open position and then move the wall switch 24 to itsclosedposition as at 24a.

When the switch 24 is first moved to an open position, the current fiowthrough the SCR 204 is interrupted causing the SCR to becomenon-conductive. Accordingly, when switch 24 is subsequently closed, theSCR, being in a non-conductive state, causes the current to flow throughconductor 220 to gate 17 thereby rendering the triac 166 conductive.This, in turn, as previously discussed, completes the circuit throughconductors 1-62, 172 energizing the load 42.

EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 7

FIG. 7 illustrates, generally pictorially, a particular manner in whichthe various elements of, for example,

the circuitry of either FIG. 5 or 6 could be arranged. That is, it iscontemplated that a suitable housing 222, containing the variouselements of the respective circuit, carries a suitable terminal block224, having female terminal contacts 64, 66, and male terminal contacts60, 62. A separate switch housing 226 containing push buttons 228 and230 (which may actually be members 152 and 154 of FIG. 5 or switchmembers 202 and 214 of FIG. 6) may be remotely situated with respect tohousing 222 by virtue of an interconnecting extension type cord assembly232 containing electrical conductors 234, 236 and 238 (which may beconductors 140, and 134 of FIG. 5 or conductors 194, 206 and a portionof 162 of FIG. 6).

If desired, housing 222 could be plugged into the outlet for the supplycircuitry and the load circuitry plugged into contacts 64, 66 while theswitch housing 226 remotely situated with respect to either or both thewall outlet and the load 42.

EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 8

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the invention which isbasically a modification of the invention as disclosed in FIG. 6. Allelements which are like those of FIG. 6 are identified with likereference numbers. As in the case of the preceding embodiments, onlyfragmentary portions of the supply circuitry and load circuitry areillustrated.

In addition to those elements which are common to the embodiment of FIG.6, a conductor 240 connected at one end to a point electrically betweenresistors 178 and 176 terminates at its other end in a switch contact242. A second conductor 244, having a switch contact 246 at one terminalend thereof, is serially connected to a resistor 248 and a diode 250which has its cathode connected to conductor 172.

Resistors 252 and 254 connected at their respective one ends toconductors 244 and 162 are connected, as at a common terminal 256, by aconductor 258 to the gate 216 of SCR 204. The anode of SCR 204 isconnected to conductor 240 while the cathode is connected to conductor162. A capacitor 260 has one side thereof connected to conductor 162 andthe other side thereof connected to conductor 244 at a point betweenresistor 248 and contact 246. A momentary, normally open, push buttontype switch member 262 is adapted to at times complete the circuitthrough contacts 242, 246.

OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 8

The operation of the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 8 is as follows.

Condition 1 With the elements of FIG. 8 in the respective positionsshown, the load 42 is, of course, de-energized. However, when Wallswitch 24 is closed, triac 166 is driven into conduction in the samemanner and for the same reasons as explained in the discussion ofCondition 1 of the operation of the FIG. 6 embodiment. Accordingly, theload 42 is energized. At this time, a very small voltage drop appearsacross terminals 164, 168 of triac 166; therefore, diode 250 does notbecome conductive and capacitor 260 does not become charged. With theelements remaining in the conditions described electrical load 42 willcontinue to be energized.

Condition 2 With the circuitry in the above described Condition 1, it ispossible to de-energize the load 42 by actuation of the remotelysituated auxiliary switch member 262.

For example, if switch member 262 is tapped to close the circuit acrosscontacts 242, 246, a circuit is completed from conductor 240 and throughconductor 244. This permits a current flow through resistor 252 and intogate electrode 216 of SCR 204 thereby causing SCR 204 to becomeconductive. As described with reference the occurrence of possiblespurious signals in the system.

With the triac 166 being non-conductive, the full line voltage appearsacross terminals 164, 168 of triac 166 and diode 250 now becomeseffective for charging capacitor 260. It can be seen, that whencapacitor 260 is fully charged the upper plate becomes positive (-1-)with respect to the lower plate which becomes negative Condition 3 Withthe various elements in the conditions described in above Condition 2,it becomes possible to again energize the remote load 42 by againtapping the momentary switch member 262 closed across contacts 242, 246.As a consequence of the circuit through contacts 242, 246 being thuslycompleted, the charged capacitor 260 is discharged through the SCR 204with the current flow from the capacitor 260 being in opposition to thatcurrent flow established through SCR 204 by the first tapping closed ofswitch 262 as described in above Condition 2. Accordingly, the currentflow supplied by capacitor 260 is sufiicient to effectively reduce theanode to cathode current flow through SCR 204 to a value insufficient tomaintain SCR 204 conductive.

Consequently, current flow is again established to gate terminal 170, oftriac 166, through resistor 176 and conductor 220, thereby placing triac166 in conduction. This, in turn, causes the circuit through conductors162 and 172 to be completed resulting, of course, in the energization ofload 42.

Condition 4 With the various elements in the conditions described inabove Condition 2, it becomes possible to again energize the remote load42 by, instead of tapping switch 262 closed, first opening wall switch24 and then closing the same wall switch 24.

For example, when wall switch 24 is first opened, the current flowthrough SCR 204 is terminated causing the SCR 204 to becomenon-conductive. Accordingly, the subsequent re-closing of wall switch 24will not cause SCR to become conductive (for reasons previouslyexplained in detail). Therefore, triac 166 becomes conductive completingthe circuit through conductors 162 and 172 and energizing the remoteload 42.

EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 9

FIG. 9 fragmentarily illustrates a modification of the circuitry of FIG.8. All elements shown which are like those of FIG. 8 are identified withlike reference numbers.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, conductor 240, instead of being connectedat one end to a contact 242 as in FIG. 8, is connected to the emitterelectrode 263 of a P-N-P transistor 264 which, in turn, has itscollector electrode 266 connected to one end of conductor 244. Incomparison to FIG. 8, it can be seen that transistor 264 may beconsidered as replacing momentary switch member 262 and cooperatingcontacts 242 and 246.

Further, a conductor 268 connected at one end to conductor 162,terminates at its other end in a switch contact 270. A capacitor 272,having one side connected to a second switch contact 274 as by aconductor 276, has its other side connected to conductor 278 as by anintermediate conductor 280. A resistor 282 has one end connected toconductor 278 and its opposite end connected to conductor 276 viaconductor 284. The other end of conductor 278 is connected to the baseelectrode 286 of transistor 264. A push button type, normally open,switch member 288 is provided in order to at times complete the circuitthrough cooperating contacts 270, 274.

OPERATION OF THE EMBODIMENT OF FIG. 9

Before discussing the operation of the sub-circuits of FIG. 9, it shouldbe mentioned that its general operation is the same as that described ineach of the four Conditions set forth in relation to the embodiment ofthe FIG. 8 circuitry. To this extent, transistor 264 is the equivalentof switch member 262 of FIG. 8; that is, whenever transistor 264 isrendered conductive completing the circuit through conductors 240, 244,the resulting action is the same as when switch 262 completes thecircuit across contacts 242, 246.

Accordingly, the operation of the overall circuitry containing themodification of FIG. 9 is the same as that already described withreference to FIG. 8.

In the circuitry of FIG. 8, it would be possible to cause oscillation ofthe load 42 if the switch member 262 were held closed against contacts242, 246. Accordingly, the specific improvement contemplated by thecircuitry of FIG. 9 is the provision of means, in this example suchmeans being electronic, whereby the circuit through conductors 240, 244will be closed for a predetermined maximum length of time regardless ofhow long the switch member 288 is held against contacts 274, 270.

Accordingly, the operation of the specific embodiment of FIG. 9 isgenerally as described by the following.

Whenever switch member 288 is closed against contacts 270, 274,capacitor 272 becomes charged through the base electrode 286 oftransistor 264. Such current flow causes the emitter electrode 263 tobecome positive with respect to base electrode 286 thereby causing thetransistor 264 to become conductive through its emittercollector circuitthereby completing the circuit through conductors 240, 244. Thetransistor 264 continues to be conductive for the charging time ofcapacitor 272, which may be in the order of 50.0 micro-seconds. Whencapacitor 272 becomes charged, current flow from the base electrode 286terminates, the transistor ceases to be conductive thereby opening thecircuit between conductors 240 and 244.

Resistor 282, in parallel with capacitor 272, is employed to permit thecharged capacitor 272 to discharge when the push button switch 288 isreturned to its normally open position. The resistor 282 is, of course,of a resist-ance value which will allow only a current flow, through thebase electrode 286, which is insufficient to cause or maintaintransistor 264 in conduction once the capacitor 272 is charged.

SUMMARY In view of the preceding it can be seen that each of theembodiments of the invention provides an adapter which can be pluggedinto a wall switch controlled electrical wall outlet enabling a lamp orother remotely situated electrical load, which is plugged into theadapter, to be energized or de-energized by either the wall-mountedelectrical switch or the auxiliary switch. This, of course, enables theenergization of the lamp or load 42, for example, by the wall-mountedswitch member 24 even after the lamp 42 has been previously extinguishedor deenergized by the auxiliary switch such as 262.

Although only a select number of embodiments of the invention have beendisclosed and described, it is apparent that other embodiments andmodifications of the invention are possible within the scope of theappended claims.

I claim:

1. An electrical switching arrangement for use in combination with asource of electrical potential having at least first and second outputterminals, a first output supply conductor electrically connecting saidfirst terminal to a first switch means situated in a first of two switchstations, a second output supply conductor electrically connected tosaid second terminal; and a remotely located electrical load having atleast first and second load conductors electrically connected to saidelectrical load; said switching arrangement comprising circuit meansincluding second bistable switch means having two stable operatingstates, said second bistable switch means being situated in a positionremote to said first switch station and said first switch means forenabling the completion of selective circuits between certain of saidoutput supply conductors and said load conductors, said circuit meanscomprising a first circuit conductor adapted for elfecting continuouselectrical connection between a first of said load conductors and one ofsaid output supply conductors, a second circuit conductor forelectrically connecting a second of said output supply onductors to oneside of said second bistable switching means, a third circuit conductorfor electrically connecting a second of said load conductors to an otherside of said second bistable switch means, said second bistable switchmeans being normally conductive when in a first of said two stablestates,

said first switch means being effective when closed and when said secondbistable switch means is in said first stable state to energize saidelectrical load, and control means efiective for at times placing saidsecond bistable switch means in a second of said two stable stateswherein said second bistable switch means is rendered non-conductivethereby de-energizing said electrical load even when said first switchmeans is closed.

2. A switching arrangement according to claim 1 wherein said secondbistable switch means comprises a switch member normally resilientlybiased toward a closed condition against a cooperating electricalcontact.

3. A switching arrangement according to claim 1 wherein said secondbistable switch means comprises a semiconductor thyristor device.

4. A switching arrangement according to claim 3 wherein saidsemiconductor thyristor device comprises a triac.

5. A switching arrangement according to claim 1 wherein said controlmeans comprises a third bistable device having first and second stablestates.

6. A switching arrangement according to claim 1 wherein said controlmeans comprises a third bistable device having first and second stablestates, wherein said second bistable switch means comprises a switchmember normally resiliently biased toward a closed condition against acooperating electrical contact whereby said switch member is in saidfirst mentioned first stable state, said third bistable device when inits first stable state being incapable of opening said switch memberfrom said cooperating electrical contact, said third bistable devicewhen in its second stable state being effective for holding said switchmember electrically open with respect to said cooperating contact.

7. A switching arrangement according to claim 6 wherein said thirdbistable device comprises an armature operatively connected to saidswitch member, resilient means normally resiliently biasing said switchmember closed against said cooperating contact, a coil assembly inrelatively close proximity to said armature for at times exercising aholding function on said armature when said switch member is opened withrespect to said cooperating contact.

8. A switching arrangement according to claim 1 wherein said controlmeans comprises a third bistable device having first and second stablestates, wherein said second bistable switch means comprises a thyristordevice, voltage generating means efi'ective for causing said thyristorto be in its first stable state and conductive whenever said firstswitch means is closed and said third bistable device is in its firststable state and non-conductive, said third bistable device whenactivated to its second stable state being conductive and effective tocause said thyristor to be activated to its second stable state ofnon-conduction thereby de-energizing said load even when said firstswitch means is closed.

'9. A switching arrangement according to claim 8 wherein said thirdbistable device comprises a silicon controlled rectifier, wherein saidvoltage generating means comprises a voltage divider network, saidsilicon controlled rectifier being in general parallel arrangement withthe control electrode circuitry of said thyristor whereby a shunt pathis created through said silicon controlled rectifier whenever saidsilicon controlled rectifier is in its second stable state.

10. A switching arrangement according to claim 9 including controlcircuit means associated with said silicon controlled rectifier, saidcontrol circuit means comprising control circuit conductorsinterconnecting the anode, cathode and gate terminals of said siliconcontrolled rectifier, and manually operable switch means within saidcontrol circuit means, said manual switch means being efiective to attimes cause said gate terminal and said cathode terminal to be atsubstantially the same electrical potential thereby maintaining saidsilicon controlled rectifier in its first stable and non-conductivestate.

11. A switching arrangement according to claim 7 including controlcircuit means for at times causing a greater current flow through saidcoil assembly, said control circuit means comprising a first controlcircuit conductor including a series resistor and normally closed firstmanual switch electrically connected to said coil assembly and saidfirst circuit conductor, and a second control circuit conductor inparallel with said first control circuit conductor and including anormally open second manual switch electrically connected to said coilassembly and said first circuit conduction, said second manual switchwhen closed being effective to increase the current flow through saidcoil means thereby causing said coil assembly to cause said first switchmember to open with respect to said cooperating electrical contact.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 985,943 3/1911 Sachs 307-1142,324,844 7/ 1943 Hutt 3071 14 X 2,979,624 4/ 1961 Askerneese 307-1l4 X3,334,250 8/1967 Gwin 307114 ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner T. B.J OIKE, Assistant Examiner U .S. C]. X.R. 307-

